Native Seed Technician (NV)

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Agency

Great Basin Institute

Location

Various, NV

Job Category

Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary

$1,080 biweekly

Last Date to Apply

05/05/2022

Website

https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=TAM&req=2022-ACI-001

Description

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Reno US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) office and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting four (4) Native Seed Technicians to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout the Great Basin on Department of Interior (DOI) and Forest Service (USFS) lands. Primary Responsibilities: • Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for collection; • GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features using tablets, handheld devices, ArcGIS Online, ArcPro/Map, and ESRI apps; • Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times; • In accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol, collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections; • Completing paper and digital data forms; • Processing and shipping seed following standard industry procedure; • Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping as necessary; • Collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis and processing and shipping; • Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities; • Photographing collection sites and plants; • Maintenance and regular inventory of field gear; • Daily and monthly vehicle checks; • Driving a truck up to 5 hours a day; • Traveling in a truck up to ten hours a day; • Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work; • Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events; • Rare plant surveys and support; • Providing support for arid land restoration projects; • Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots; • Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects; and • Participating in trainings provided by GBI, US Fish & Wildlife, and USFS staff and community partners. Physical Demands: Field work involves driving GBI, FWS, or Forest Service trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, often for 100+ miles per day as well as hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically 0-1 mile per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds and precipitation in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, tablets, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will regularly be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology. Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis. • Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment • Bend, lift, pull, and push • Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time • Drive for many hours a day on highways and 4WD roads. • Handle plant material for many hours a day. • Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment • Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season) • Occasionally work 10+ hour days • Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work

Qualifications

Technical requirements: • Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, or related field; • Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the Great Basin; • Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; • Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; • Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road; • Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain, helpful; and • Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro 2.0 software, and ESRI apps like Field Maps and Survey 123, helpful. Additional requirements: • Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team; • Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days, up to 8 days; • Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads; • Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members. • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; • Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team (Most often crews will be two people, which requires technicians to co-lead, take initiative, and behave in a manner that promotes team integrity.); • Ability to work independently or in pairs with little supervision, strong initiative and high attention to detail; • Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and • Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Contact Person

Jess Kindred

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